Ajay to walk the Toronto red carpet

Actor-producer to attend his first international film festival with a li'l big film about women's emancipation.

Ajay Devgn's first international production, Parched, has been selected for the 'Special Presentations' section of the Toronto International Film Festival, which opens on September 10. The actor will be attending an international film festival for the first time to showcase his film to the world.

"Usually I stay away from the glitz and madness of film awards and events. But I am excited to attend TIFF because it celebrates world cinema. That's where the best of the world's talent meet, greet and appreciate each other," says the 46-year-old actor.

Directed by Leena Yadav, Parched features Surveen Chawla, Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Adil Hussain. It is about four ordinary women in a rural Indian village who throw off the traditions which shackled them in servitude for all these years.

Speaking about his reasons to back the inspirational drama, Ajay says, "As artistes it is our responsibility to support films which are socially relevant yet entertaining. And as filmmakers we would be happy if even 10 percent of our audience take the thought back home with them. The film takes a close look at the reality of our male-driven misogynistic world. I agreed to support Leena's vision because I felt it's time we paid some attention to issues such as these."

Parched will be screened alongside Hollywood biggies like the Johnny Depp starrer Black Mass, Nicole Kidman's The Family Fang and Mark Ruffalo's Spotlight. Ajay will be leaving for Toronto on September 10. The screening is two days later. "We always believed in Leena's vision as a writer and director. But it's heart-warming to see my support finally getting the appreciation it deserves," smiles the actor.

He plans to release his film in the US and Europe first, before bringing it down to India in 2016. So, does he believe that indie films are finally making a place for themselves in world cinema? "Someone needs to bell the cat... Why not Ajay Devgn?" he signs off with a smile.